The company which owns a block of shops and empty offices in the heart of Swindon’s shopping district wants to add another flat on top of the 12 it already had permission to construct.

Brunel House Estate Limited was permitted in 2022 to construct another two floors on top of Brunel House, which sits very prominently in Havelock Square in the town centre.

Its plans were to keep the ground floor for two shop units, now currently inhabited by a vape shop and a luggage store, and use the existing two upper storeys for flats.

It also planned to add another two floors to be constructed for 12 flats in total with three flats on each floor.

No work has started on the project, and now the company has asked to vary the consent, citing costs as its reason.

The new plans show that another fight floor would be added to the building, but it would host one single two-bedroom flat as well as a winter garden for all the residents accessed from a communal staircase.

The new application says the owners want to make the building very attractive and something of a landmark: “The existing materials will partly be retained, but the latter floors will be constructed on with modern materials, where such the building can benefit from stainless steel and/or glass.

“The proposal keeps in line with the character of the area, and does not shy away from the existing features, nor does it affect the privacy of the adjacent properties.

“The proposal fits well by serving the flats in a community through affordable residential units – hoping to garnish life back to the town centre.”

The company is hoping to attract a stable and upmarket clientele: “The applicant wants a modern series of units that residents can enjoy whilst having enough room for entertaining friends and family. This is to be their forever home they have always wished for, with significant kerb appeal.

“Based on our extensive knowledge of the area we have designed these flats that provide spacious internals and a character to suit the area.”

A decision on the application to vary the original 2022 consent is expected in mid-January 2025.

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